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Possessively: meaning, definitions and examples

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possessively

 

[ pəˈzɛsɪvli ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

ownership expression

Possessively is an adverb that describes an action performed in a manner that indicates ownership or control. It often suggests an intense attachment to or desire for something. This term can be used in various contexts, including possessive attitudes in relationships or when displaying characteristics of ownership over objects or ideas. The adverb roots itself in the concept of possession, illustrating how individuals may act protectively towards things they regard as their own.

Synonyms

controllingly, domineeringly, jealously

Examples of usage

  • She hugged the teddy bear possessively.
  • He looked at her possessively.
  • The dog guarded its bone possessively.

Translations

Translations of the word "possessively" in other languages:

🇵🇹 posseivamente

🇮🇳 स्वामित्वपूर्वक

🇩🇪 besitzergreifend

🇮🇩 secara kepemilikan

🇺🇦 власницьки

🇵🇱 właścicielsko

🇯🇵 所有的に

🇫🇷 possessivement

🇪🇸 posesivamente

🇹🇷 sahiplenerek

🇰🇷 소유적으로

🇸🇦 بشكل تملكي

🇨🇿 vlastnickým způsobem

🇸🇰 vlastnícky

🇨🇳 占有地

🇸🇮 lastniško

🇮🇸 eignarlegur

🇰🇿 меншіктік

🇬🇪 მფლობელობით

🇦🇿 mülkiyyətcə

🇲🇽 posesivamente

Etymology

The word 'possessively' originates from the root 'possess,' which is derived from the Old French word 'posséder,' itself borrowed from the Latin 'possidere,' meaning 'to possess or hold.' The suffix '-ively' is added to form an adverb indicating a manner of action. Over time, 'possess' and its derivatives have evolved in the English language to encompass various connotations of ownership, attachment, and control. The adverb 'possessively' began to gain usage in English texts in the late 19th century, reflecting a growing interest in psychological and social dynamics concerning property and relationships. The term encapsulates the idea that ownership can elicit strong emotions and behaviors.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,855, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.